Fused+Glass



=Fused Glass =

History: Although the exact origin is unknown most historians believe that glass fusing was first done by the people of Egypt around 2000 BC. Some other historians will argue that the Romans beat the people of Egypt by using similar techniques with glass. After the invention of Glass Blowing glass fusing, for the most part, became a thing of the past. It showed some signs of a comeback during the Renaissance, but like with the Romans and people of Egypt it became more of a hobby then an art form and quickly got pushed onto the back-burner of glass-making techniques, again. The most recent comeback in the Fused Glass technique started in the 20th century, and became very popular around the 1960's. This technique is still seen as more of a hobby today in the glass world today.

 Materials: -pieces of glass -glass glue -solid cutting surface -permanent markers -paper, ruler, pencil, scissors -glass cutter -running pliers -goggles -kiln -glass grinders

Steps:


 * 1) **Prepare your kiln and kiln shelf.** Put kiln paper on the shelf.
 * 2) **Determine your design and cut your glass.** Remember that unlike stained glass you can stack your glass vertically.
 * 3) **Clean the glass to remove any grit and finger prints.** You can use rubbing alcohol, or warm soapy water.
 * 4) **Place the glass pieces on the prepared kiln shelf.** Keep your glass a bit in from the edge of the shelf depending on thickness your glass will grow as it is heated.
 * 5) **Close the kiln and start heating up your pieces.** Depending on the amount of glass and the desired outcome, you will ramp up your kiln slowly. (Look up correct ramp times to avoid thermal shock your glass)
 * 6) **If desiring a tack fuse (where the individual glasses are connected but still have a separated look) the general temperature to obtain is around 1325 degrees Fahrenheit.** If wanting a full fuse (where all the individual glasses have become one), the target temperature is around 1450 degrees Fahrenheit.
 * 7) **If your items are small in size, you can usually turn off and unplug the kiln at this point and allow it to cool naturally.** (If items are more than a half inch thick or wide, look up cooling times so as to avoid thermal shock).
 * 8) **Never open the lid of the kiln until your items are at least below 150 degrees Fahrenheit.**

 What do we want and need to find out? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">-Before you put your artwork in a kiln, ensure that all marks from a permanent marker or pencil are washed off. if you don't, it may stain on glass after heated.